Happy Birthday Deepika Padukone

Deepika Padukone was born in 1986. On January 5th (5 days before me!).

Deepika Padukone // Om Shanti Om

After completing a successful few years in the world of modelling, she entered films in 2006 with Aishwarya in the Kannada language. The following year in 2007 she made her big Bollywood debut with the King himself Shah Rukh Khan in the biggest hit of the year that was Om Shanti Om. Not only did she get nominated for Best Actress (losing to Kareena Kapoor) she won all the Best Female Debut awards, beating Sonam Kapoor whose debut Saawariya released on the same day.

Making huge waves with OSO she bagged several top banner films and continued to score hits in the following few years: Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008), Love Aaj Kal (2009), Housefull (2010). But it wasn't until 2012 that she was finally taken seriously as an actress with the release of the smash hit Cocktail. 

Deepika Padukone // Love Aaj Kal

Leading up to the release of Cocktail, however, Deepika's last few films didn't do too well and she seemed to be fading. In the second half of 2010 post the successful Housefull, all 3 of her big releases didn't create any buzz (Lafangey Parindey, Break Ke Baad, Khelein Hum Jee Kaan Sey). In her two releases in 2011 Aarakshan and Desi Boyz she didn't have much to do but look the part. There was also the minor controversy over her appearance in the title song of Dum Maaro Dum which many thought was a poorly done remake of the 70s classic with it's vulgar lyrics. See below:

The theory that one film can change everything was proven in this case, as following Cocktail's mega success and several Best Actress award nominations Deepika delivered a record breaking 2013 with 4 big hits.

Deepika Padukone // Cocktail

In 2013 she seemed to be everywhere. From magazine covers to award shows. And in her films she covered all bases. From playing sexy siren Alina in action/thriller Race 2 to the geek-turned-chic Naina in the romantic drama Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. And from the straight-talking Meenalochini in comedy Chennai Express to Sanjay Leela Bhansali's epic love story Ram-Leela.

Deepika Padukone // Ram-Leela

2014 saw more success with the critically acclaimed Finding Fanny and the box office success Happy New Year. She might not have had an outstanding performance last year but with her upcoming releases she will most likely bounce right back.

Today she is considered the #1 heroine of Bollywood. Her upcoming projects include Piku where she will play the title role, Tamasha co-starring Ranbir Kapoor and Bajiao Mastani co-starring Ranveer Singh and Priyanka Chopra - where she again plays the title role.

Here's wishing the graceful diva a very Happy Birthday x